Signaling system and circuit controller for use therein



Aug. 4, 19556. A. B. CAMPBELL ET AL SIGNALING SYSTEM AND CIRCUIT CONTROLLER FOR USE THEREIN Filed Feb. 28, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet l win ay N wm ,l ..mww% s e n rmB 0a m m m eBe rm w ue h ln T W H A ID DIVISION 0F CYCLE (PERCDITI Aug. 4, 1936. A. B. CAMPBELL ET AL SIGNALING SYSTEM AND CIRCUIT CONTROLLER FOR USE THEREIN 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 28, 1931 Inventor's Arthur B. Campbell; Claude F. Beger, y M m Their Attorneg.

Aug. 4, 1936. A. B. CAMPBELL ET AL 2,050,039

7 SIGHALINGJSYSTEH :AHD CIRGUIT CONTROLLER FOR USE THEREIN Filed Fe 2 8, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 7b othrr Circuit Control/ms Green Crass Reg Red Green Mam Crass Main Amber Amber- Main Inventor's Arthur- B.Campbe1l", Claude FIBeger,

00%, Their Atborneg Patented Aug. 4, 1936 PATENT OFFICE SIGNALING SYSTEM AND CIRCUIT CON- TROLLER FOR USE THEREIN Arthur B. Campbell and Claude F. Beyer, Fort Wayne, Hnd., assignors to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application February 28, 1931 Serial No. 519,198

25 Claims.

The present invention relatesto signaling systems and circuit controllers for use therein. It relates particularly to signaling systems and circuit controllers for use in controlling street traffic, although the invention is not limited thereto necessarily.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved signaling system and an improved circuit controller which may be used in and form a part of the signaling system, and for a. consideration of what we believe to be novel and our invention, attention is directed to the following specification and the claims appended thereto.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a somewhat diagrammatic character illustrating a circuit controller embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a face view with parts broken away showing the front of the circuit controller; Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view through certain parts, the sec tion being taken on line 33, Fig. 2; Fig. 4-is a detail perspective view of certain parts; Fig. 5 is a detail sectional View of a gear shifting mechanism; Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 8--6, Fig. 5; Fig. '7 is a detail perspective view, partly broken away, of one of the shafts of the gearing; Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing a modification; Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view of parts of a reset mechanism; Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on line I0I0, Fig. 9; and Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view, including a wiring diagram, of a circuit controller and signaling system. I

Referring first to Fig. 1 of the drawing, I indicates the base of the casing of the circuit controller and Zin'dicates the front wall, or panel, thereof. The remainingportion of the casing is not shown in the drawings. The several parts of the circuit controller are supported on the base I and the front wall 2 of the casing. The circuit controller is driven by a suitable motor 3, here shown as asynchronous disk motor comprising a disk 4 and a suitable number of shaded pole magnets 5, only one of which is shown in the drawings. 6 indicates a supporting frame for the rotating disk 4. This may be a motor such as that shown in the patent to Hall 1,668,365, May 1,

1928. On the shaft which carries disk 4 is a worm I which drives a shaft 8 through a worm wheel 9. Shaft 8 is rotatably mounted in suit able bearing posts I0. It is connected to drive a shaft II through a double reduction gearing comprising sets of gears I2 and I3, carried by shafts mounted in suitable bearing supports I4, and beveled gears I5. The sets of gears I2 and I3 form a change-speed gear mechanism whereby the speed at which motor 3 drives shaft I I may be changed. The details of the gear shifting mechanism are shown in Figs. 5 to 8 inclusive, and are described more fully hereafter.

Fixed on shaft I I is a disk I6 of insulating material which carries two concentric contact rings l1 and I8. Engaging these contact rings is a pair of brushes I9 and carried by a block of insulating material 2 I. Carried by disk I5 and rotating therewith is an adjustable contact 42 (Figs. 2 and 11) carried by a post 23 fixed to disk I6 and a contact 24 carrledby a bell crank lever- 25 pivoted on disk I6 as is indicated at 26. A

spring 21 normally holds bell crank lever 25 in engagement with a fixed stop 28 carried by disk IS, the spring holding the contacts 22 and 24 separated. Contacts 22 and 24 are connected respectivelyto the annular contact rings I! and I8, the arrangement being such that when, contact 24 engages contact 22 the brushes I9 and 20 are connected together. Contact 24 is adapted to be moved into engagement with contact 22 by a series of keys 29 adapted to be inserted through slots 30 in a face plate 3| fastened in an opening in front wall 2. When keys 29 are placed in the openings their inner ends extend into a position to engage a spring tip 32 on an arm of bell crank lever 25. As disk It revolves in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2, the spring contact tip 32 is brought successively into engagement with the inner ends'of the keys 29 so that as the tip passes each key the contact'24 is moved into engagement with the contact 22 for a short interval of time. Disk I6 and the contacts carried by it, form a rotating circuit closer, the closing of which can be timed by varying the positions of the actuating keys 29.

Referring now to Fig. 11, brushes I9 and 20 are connected in circuit with the winding 33 of a solenoid, the plunger of which is indicated at 34. Whenever contact 24 engages contact 22, a circult is closed through winding 33 of the solenoid from a source of power indicated by the lines 35 and 36, as follows: line 35, conductor 31, conductor 38, brushes 20 and I9, conductor 39, solenoid winding 33, conductor and conductor H to line 36. Each time solenoid winding 33 is energized it raises its plunger 34 and through a pawl 42 turns a ratchet wheel 43 one notch. As shown in Fig. 1, pawl 42 is pivoted on an arm 44 loosely mounted on' a shaft 45 carried in bearing brackets 46. Ratchet wheel 43 is fixed on shaft 45, the pawl and ratchet wheel forming the means for turning shaft 45. Arm 44 is connected at one end to plunger 34 by a link 41. At 48 is a spring which presses pawl 42 into engagement with ratchet wheel 43. Mounted on shaft 45 is a contact actuating drum or circuit controller member 49 which controls the several circuits leading to the signaling devices which may be, for example, lamps arranged in a casing and operated in suitable sequence to display different colored signals. The usual arrangement of signals is a redsignal to indicate Stop, a green signal to indicate Go, and an amber signal which is displayed to indicate that the signals areabout to be changed. This is the type of signaling arrangement illustrated in the drawings, Fig. 11.

The controller drum comprises a series of spaced disks 50, carried by shaft 45 and providing between them annular slots 5| in which .are arranged cams, each cam comprising a number of cam segments 52. In the present instance the ratchet wheel 43 is shown as having six teeth and to correspond therewith cam segments 52 are made of a circumferential length so that each forms one-sixth of a circle. With this arrangement, upon each actuation of shaft 45 by solenoid winding 33 and pawl 42, drum 49 is turned a distance equal to one cam segment, i. e., one-sixth of a revolution. It will be understood, of course, that different numbers of teeth may be used on the ratchet 43 and corresponding difierent sizes of cam segments 52 may be utilized to meet any desired operating conditions.

The cam segments are held in position in slots 5| by rods 53 which pass through slots in disks 50 and through holes in the segments, the nuts on the ends of rods 53 being screwed up tight to provide a rigid structure. Any suitable number of cam segments may be arranged in each slot. For the particular signaling sequence illustrated in the drawings, the cam segments are arranged in the slots as is shown diagrammatically in Fig. i i, there being five cam segments in each of the first two slots, two cam segments in the third slot, four cam segments in each of the fourth and fifth slots, and two cam segments in the sixth slot. The space where a cam segment or segments are omitted indicates a space in which a signaling circuit is closed, and these spaces are arranged relatively to each other to give the desired signaling sequence.

The cams engage rollers 56 carried by contact arms 55 and are adapted to move the contacts on the contact arms from engagement with fixed contacts carried by the contact strips 56 and 577. Compression springs 58 serve normally to hold the contacts in engagement with each other.

Referring to Fig. 11, it, ll, l2, M, "M and F15 indicate the six cams carried by the contact drum; l6, i1, i8, i9, 88 and Bi indicate the six movable contacts, and 32, 83, 8d, 85, t5 and Bi indicate the six stationary contacts. tit and 89 indicate the main street and cross-street signals each comprising a red, amber and green signal light, indicated respectively R, A and G". The cam it controls the amber on the main signal, the cam 1| controls the amber on the cross signal, the cam 12 controls the red on the main signal, the cam 73 controls the red on the cross signal, the cam M controls the green on the main signal, and the cam 75 controls the green on the cross signal. In the position of the parts shown in Fig. 11, the green on the main signal and the red on the cross signal are lighted and the amber on the main signal is lighted, indicating that the signals are about to change. The circuit for the amber on the main signal is as follows: Supply line 35, conductor 31, conductor 90, contact 18, conductor 9|. amber on the main signal, and common return conductor 92 and conductor 4| to supply conductor 36. The circuit for the green on the main signal is as follows: conductor 31. conductor 90, conductor 93, contact 80, conductor 94, main green signal, and common return conductor 92. The circuitfor the red on the cross signal is as follows: Conductor 31, conductor 90. conductor 95, contact '19, conductor 96, cross red signal and common return conductor 92. Upon the next actuation of solenoid 33, which effects a turning of shaft 45 one-sixth of a revolution in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. 11, the circuit on the main amber will be opened due to cam I0 lifting contact 16, the circuit on the cross red will be opened due to cam 13 lifting contact 19, and the circuit on the main green will be opened due to cam 14 lifting contact 80. At the same time, the movement of cam 12 will permit contact 18 to engage contacts 84, thereby closing the circuit on the main red, and the movement of cam 15 will permit contact 8| to engage contacts 81, thereby closing the circuit on the cross green. The circuits through these signals include the conductors 91 and 98 respectively and will be clear from the circuits already traced. The signal circuits will remain in this condition for the next two actuations of solenoid 33 and then upon the fourth actuation of solenoid 33, cam- M will have been moved to a position to permit contact 11 to engage contact 83, thereby lighting the cross amber through a circuit including conductor 99. and the cross amberywill burn along with the main red and the cross green, indicating that a change in signals is about to take place. Upon the next actuation of solenoid 33, the cross amber and cross green will be extinguished and the main green and cross red lighted. On the next actuation of solenoid 33, the cams will assume again-the positions shown in Fig. 11. Thus it will be seen that as disk it rotates, efiecting successive movements of contact 26 into engagement with contact 22,

controller drum d5 will have imparted to it a stepby-step turning movement to effect successively the cycle of operation of the signal lights.

By adjusting the cam segments of the respective cams relatively to each other, the desired sequence of operation of the signals may be obtained.

By adjusting the keys in the slots 30, the division of the time intervals among the signals can be adjusted with a considerable degree ofprecision, the degree depending upon the closeness together or" the slots In other words, for any time cycle, the keys may be adjusted to give the desired division of such time cycle among the respective signals.

By the use of the adjustable cam segments and the adjustable keys, great flexibility in the adjustment oi the sequence and the timing of the red, green and amber signals relatively to each other may be obtained.

In addition to changing the relative timing of the signals, it is desirable also to change the length of the total cycle. This is accomplished by means of the change-speed gearing comprising the sets of gears i2 and E3.

The set 02 comprises a series of gears I00 of diiierent diameters rigidly mounted on shaft 8. which may be termed a driving shaft, and a series of gears ml which are carried by an intermediate shaft )2 and mesh with gears iflil. The set I3 comprises a series of spaced gears I03 of different diameters rigidly mounted on a shaft I04,

. and a series of gears I05 which are carried by intermediate shaft I02.

Gears I00 and I93 are permanently fixed to their respective shafts 8 and I04 so that they all always turn therewith. The two series of gears I0! andI05 are loose on shaft I02 but are capable of being locked to the shaft selectively by means which will now be described.

Referring particularly to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, gears I 0| are mounted on shaft I02 between two collars 1 I00 which surround shaft I02, there being spacers I01 between the gears.

The gears are loosely held so that each is free to turn on shaft I02 when it is not locked to the shaft. The gears I05 are each provided with relatively long integral sleeves I08 which hold the gears in spaced relation to each other, there being spacing collars I09 on the shaft between the gears and also between the left-hand gear I05 and the adjacent bearing bracket. Gears IOI are provided with circumferentially spaced notches H0 in their bores adapted to be engaged by lugs III on the ends of spring fingers, II2. Likewise, the sleeves I08 are provided with circumferentially spaced slots or keyways I I3 in their bores adapted to be engaged by 9. lug I I 4 on the end of a spring finger H5. Spring fingers H2 and H5 are carried in a longitudinally extending slot II6 in shaft I02, being fastened in position by means of suitable studs.

Shaft I52 is adapted to slide axially in its bearleft-hand gear I 05 is locked to shaft I02 by spring finger I I5 and the next to the left-hand gear IOI is locked to shaft I02 by the right-hand spring finger H2. The drive from shaft 8 to shaft I04 is thus through these two gears which are locked to shaft I02. As shaft I02 is moved successive steps toward the right, the gears IOI will be successively locked to shaft I02 by the righthand spring finger II2, spring finger II5 remaining in engagement with sleeve I08 of left-hand gear I05. The lengths of sleeves I03 and of gears IOI are such that, upon continued movement of shaft I02 toward the right, as right-hand spring finger I I2 leaves the right-hand gear IOI, middle spring finger II2 engages the left-hand gear IOI and spring finger II 5 moves from engagement with the sleeve of left-hand gear I05 into engagement with the sleeve of middle gear I05. Upon continued movement of shaft I02 toward the right,

each of the gears IOI may be successively locked to shaft I02 along with middle gear I05, after which by means of the left-hand spring finger I I2, each of the gears I0! may be locked to shaft I02 along with right-hand gear I05. Thus it will be seen that by shifting shaft I02 axially, any one of the gears IOI may be utilized with any one of the gears I05 to form a drivingconnection. There is thus obtained with a comparatively simple construction a large number of different gear ratios.

The number of notches I I0 in gears IOI and the number, of keyways I I3 in sleeves I08 may be varied as found desirable. For example, in Fig.

As explained hereinafter, there is provided 5"" means which may be located at any suitable point, such as at a central station, for moving shaft I02 axially to change the gear ratio.

It is desirable to maintain a definite relationship between the rotating circuit closer comprising contacts 22 and 24, and the controller drum 49, and for this purpose we provide means which, in case the drum gets out of step with the circuit closer, functions to hold the drum stationary until the correct relation again obtains, and then releases the drum. For this purpose there is provided a locking lever H9 (Figs. 1 and 11) pivoted at I20 and provided with a locking finger I2I adapted to move beneath solenoid plunger 34 to hold it from movement. A 20 spring I22 it attached to lever H9 and tends to move it on its pivot to bring finger I2I under plunger 34. The lever is held from movement by a holding lever I23 suitably pivoted adjacent lever II9, for example on the same pivot I20, and 25 provided with a lug I24 which stands in the path oi. movement of lever II9. Holding lever I23 is held in a position to hold locking finger I2I away from plunger 34 by a spring I25, movement of the holding leverbeing limited by a. stop I2Ii.- One 30 end of spring I22 may be attached to lever I23. An end I2'I of holding lever I23 stands in the path of movement of a cam I28 on controller drum shaft 45 and with each revolution of shaft 45. c m l28' -engages the end I2I of holding lever I23 and 35 moves lug I24 away from looking lever H9, thus leaving the locking lever free to move finger I2I beneath plunger 34. On shaft II is acam I29 which rotates with shaft II in a plane in line with a roller I30 on an end of lever H9. The arrangement is such that if the rotating circuit closer and its shaft II are in the desired relation to the controller drum 49 and its shaft 45, at the time cam I28 moves holding lever I23 to release locking lever I I0, cam I29 stands in front of roller I30 to prevent movement of locking lever H9. As a result nothing happens except that cam I28 moves holding lever I23 and releases it again. If, however, at the time cam I28 moves holding lever I23, cam I29 is not in front of roller I30 (8. thing which happens when the desired relation between the circuit closer andthe controller drum does not obtain) then when plunger 34 is raised, finger I2I will move beneath the plunger and hold it, with the result that the plunger is held from further actuating the controller drum. Shaft II continues to revolve and when cam I29 reaches roller I30 it will engage it and turn lever III! to move locking finger I2I from beneath plunger 34, thus permitting the plunger to again 69 function to turn the controller drum 49, the circuit closer and drum then starting oil? with the desired definite relation between them.

With this arrangement, the relative definite relation between the rotating circuit closer and 5 the controller drum is continuously checked and automatically maintained. Also it will be noted that adjusting the keys 29 to change the relative durations of the red, green and amber signals does not in any way affect the definite rela- 79 I circuit closer.

For this purpose there is provided a switch I M which may be moved to open the automatic control circuit and to close circuits including contacts I32 and I33. Engagement with contact I32 closes a circuit through an electromagnet I34 which pulls its armature I35 toward the right and thereby brings the end of a holding link I36 to a. position wherein it holds locking lever II 9 in inoperative position, the lower end of lever II 9 being provided with a pin I31 which stands in an elongated slot I38 in link I36. Engagement with contact I33 places a. push button I 33 directly in circuit with solenoid winding 33. Switch I3I and push button I39 maybe located at any desired point, and enable an ofiicer or other authorized person to operate the signals manually with any desired time relation. This is done by successively closing push button I39 to energize solenoid 33 and effect step-by-step turning movements of the controller drum. After having been operated on manual control the signals may be put back on automatic control by reversing the position of switch I3I. When returned to the automatic control the rotating circuit closer and the controller drum will be brought automatically to the desired definite relationship in the manner already explained.

As stated above, means are provided for moving shaft I02 axially step by step to change the gears between driving motor 3 and the rotating This means comprises circular teeth I40 on shaft I02 with which meshes a gear I4I carried by a shaft M2. Shaft I42 is journaled at one end in a post I 33 supported by base I, and at the other end in a bracket M4 carried by front wall 2 of the casing (see Figs. 3 and 4). Step by step movement in either direction is imparted to shaft I 42 by two ratchet wheels I45 and I46 having oppositely facing teeth adapted to be engaged by pawls M7 and I48 carried by the plungers of electromagnets I49 and I53. When electromagnet M9 is energized pawl I4? engages a tooth of the ratchet wheel I45 to turn shaft M2 one step in one direction, and when electromagnet I50 is energized pawl I48 engages a tooth of ratchet wheel M6 to turn shaft I42 one step in the other direction. Connected to ratchets M5 and M6 by means of rivets I5I is a sprocket Wheel I62 having teeth with which engage a roller on the end of a spring pressed arm I53 suitably pivoted on the casing of the circuit controller. The sprocket wheel and spring pressed roller serve definitely to define the extent of each step by step movement.

Ratchet wheels M5 and Mt are carried by a sleeve I54 loosely mounted on shaft M2 and terminating at its forward end adjacent bracket I44 but short thereon On the end of sleeve IE4 is fastened a hub I55 to which is attached a spring latch I56 which projects over the periphery of a disk I51 and is provided with an opening I58 adapted to engage over teeth I59 on disk I51. Disk I5'I is attached to the end of shaft I42 by means of a squared end on the shaft engaging a correspondingly shaped opening in the disk, a nut I60 (Fig. 4) serving to hold disk I57 in position. Engagement of a tooth I59 in slot I58 serves to lock spring latch I56 to the disk, thereby locking ratchet wheels M5 and M6 and sleeve I54 to disk I57 and hence to shaft I42, so that all these parts turn together. The end of spring latch I56 is bent down over the outer face of disk I5I and carries on its face the indicia Fire, Flash, Off. On disk I5? is a stop pin IGI which stands in the path of movementof the bent-down end of latch I56. Carried by spring latch I56 at the rear of disk I51 is a stop finger I62. Stop finger I 62 is adapted to engage a stop I63 carried by front wall 2 of the casing. Carried by disk I51 is an adjustable stop I es which also is adapted to engage fixed stop I63. Stop I 64 is carried by a spring arm I65 which is loosely mounted at one end on shaft I42, its other end being bent over the periphery of disk I51 in a manner similar to that in which arm I58 is arranged and being provided similarly with an opening with which teeth I59 engage. The bent over end stands in line with stop pin I6I which limits its adjustment in one direction. Stops I64 and I62 serve to limit the turning movement of shaft I42 in each direction and may be adjusted any desir d distances from fixed stop I63, being-the maximum distances from fixed stop I63 when both are in engagement with stop pin IGI.

On the face of disk I51 are numerals indicative of the several gear ratios and above the disk is a pointer I 65 which indicates the adjustment.

It is desirable to be able to temporarily render a circu t controller inoperative, to connect it so that it shows only one signal continuously. This latter may be desirable in case of fire, for example, when it 'may be desired to display the red lights on both the main and cross street signals, thereby stopping all trafiic and giving right of way to the fire apparatus. The mechanism for accomplishing these results will now be described.

Carried by sleeve.t54 is a hub I66 on which are two cams I61 and I53 having cam surfaces marked Ofi", Flash and Fire. Cams I67 and I68 are adapted to engage spring arms I 63 and I'll] to actuate circuit closers comprising contacts indicated in Fig. 1 generally at Ill and H2. When the cam surfaces marked Off engage spring arms I69 and I'm, the arms are moved up one step and when the cam surfaces marked Flash and Fire engage arms I59 and III), the arms are moved up a second step. The purpose of contacts I" and H2 is to control certain circuits whereby the circuit controller may be rendered inoperative in so far as operating the signals is concerned, whereby it may be set for a continuously flashing signal, or whereby it may be set for all red signals, to indicate a fire.

Referring particularly to Fig. 11, it will be seen that contacts I H are arranged so that when cam IIiI moves arm I69 up one step, circuits including the conductors 9i and 39 are opened,

and when moved up a second step a circuit across I contacts I13 is closed. Likewise, contacts I72 are arranged so that when cam I68 moves spring arm IlIi up one step circuits including the conductors 93, 9t and 9'! are opened, and when moved up a second step circuits are closed across contacts I'M and I15. Contacts I I3 are connected to a circuit closer I15 adapted to be continuously opened and closed by a ratchet wheel I'l'l carried by shaft 8, and with the amber light of the main street signal. The two cams IG'I and I88 are carried by the same hub and move together to simultaneously engage spring arms I69 and I'll]. When cams I 67 and IE8 first engage spring arms I 63 and I I0, raising them one step by means of the cam surface marked Off, the spring arms open the circuits including the conductors SI, 99 and the conductors 93, 96 and 91, thus opening the circuits for all the signal lights and rendering the signals inoperative. If now cams It? and I68 are moved a second notch toward the left. as in the cross amber signal.

dicated in Fig. 11, the cam surfaces marked Flash engage spring arm I89, raising the spring arm another step and closing the circuit across contacts I13. The spring arm I18 remains in the same position, being still engaged by the OE surfaces of cam I88. The closing of a circuit across contacts I13 closes a circuit on the main amber light which may be traced as follows: Supply line 35, conductor 31, conductor 98, conductor 93, circuit closer I16, contacts I13, conductor I18, main amber and common return conductor 92. The continuously rotating ratchet wheel I11 will continuously open and close this circuit, thereby flashing continuously the main amber signal. i If it is desired to flash the amber signal on both the main and cross streets, then a circuit connectionas indicated by the dotted lines I19 may be installed, which serves to close a circuit through the pair of contacts I88 in parallel with contacts I13, and including If it is desired to flash the cross red signal, a circuit connection indicated by the dotted lines I8I may be installed, thereby placing the pair of contacts I82 in circuit with the circuit closer I 16 and the cross red signal. As will be clear, by suitable arrangement any combination of the main and cross street signal lights may be placed in circuit with the flashing circuit closer.

If the cams I81 and I68 are moved another notch or step toward the left as shown in Fig. 11, spring arm "I drops oil of the Flash portion of cam I 61 to the right-hand Ofi portion and the Fire portion of cam I68 raises nected by conductors I83 and I84 and a common conductor I85 to push buttons N36 and 881, the connections including cable conductors A, B and C and the supply lines I88 and I89. The push buttons I86 and I81 may be located at any desired point. For example, they may be located at a central station. Operation of push button I86 energizes electromagnet I49, thereby turning shaft I42 step by step in a clockwise direction as viewedin Fig. 11, and operation of push button I81 energizes solenoid winding I58 to turn shaft I42 step by step in a counter-clockwise direction.

In most installations it will not be desired to useali the possible different gear ratios and to take care of this situation the two stops I62 and I84 are adjusted on the disk I51 for the desired range. The adjustment of stop I62 adjusts also the cams I81 and I88 so that when the pointer I85 points to 085", Flash or Fire, on the inturned end of spring arm I56, the cams I 61 and I68 occupy corresponding positions with respect to the spring arms I69 and I 18. When it is desired to adjust the circuit controller for 0if", Flash or Fire operation,

.the push button I81 is successively actuated to turn shaft I42 so as to bring cams I61 and I68 to the desired position, the indicia on the inturned end of spring latch I56 indicating the adjustment. Thus by means of the push but- V tons I88 and I 81, the desired gear ratio can be ing motor.

obtained or the circuit controller may be adjusted to Oif, Flash or Fire position.

When the circuit controller is used with other circuit controllers in an interconnected progres-'- sive system, for example, it is required that all 5 the controllers be maintained in a fixed phase or time relation relatively to each other. Also, it is desirable that means be provided whereby the relative phase relations among the circuit controllers of-the interconnected progressive system may be changed from a central point. The circuit controller comprises means whereby when used in an interconnected progressive system it is periodically checked with a master controller and, if out of step, reset in accordance with the master controller. The circuit controller comprises also means whereby its phase relation I relatively to other circuit controllers connected with it in an interconnected progressive system may be adjusted for a plurality of different timed 28 relations.

For periodically checking the phase relation of the circuit controller and resetting it if it is out of step, there is provided a stopping means for the circuit controller which stopping means is 25 controlled by a master controller. Periodically the locking means is actuated by the master controller but if the circuit controller is in step the stopping means is inefiective and does not stop the circuit controller. If, however, the circuit 30 controller is out of step, the stopping means stops the circuit controller and holds it until it is again in step, when the circuit controller is permitted to operate again. The circuit controller may be stoppedby disconnecting it from the driving motor, by stalling the driving motor or by other suitable means. In the present instance there is illustrated an arrangement for stalling the driv- For this purpose there is provided a locking means which is actuated periodically by the master controller and which tends to lock the driving motor. If the circuit controller is in step the locking means is rendered ineffective. If, however, the circuit controller is out of step, the locking means stalls the driving motor and holds it until the circuit controller is again in step, when the locking means is released and the circuit controller is again permitted to operate.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 11, the locking means comprises a bell crank brake lever 288 having an end 28| provided with afriction pad adapted to engage disk 4 of motor 3 to stop the motor. Bell crank brake lever 288 is pivotally mounted at its elbow on one arm of a second bell crank lever 282. At 283 is a spring connected to an arm of bell crank lever 288 and serving normally to hold the lever against a stop 284, in which position end -28I is out of engagement with disk 4. Spring 283 is connected also to an arm.of bell crank lever 282 (see Fig. 1) 60 and serves normally to hold bell crank lever 282 against a stop pin 285. (In Fig. 11 spring 283 is diagrammatically shown as two separate springs, one for each lever.) On bell crank lever 282 is an armature 286 arranged inoperative relation to an electromagnet 281,'which may be termed a brake magnet. When electromagnet 281 is energized, bell crank lever 282 is held away from stop 285 as shown particularly in Fig. 11, and when it is deenergized the spring pulls it over into engagement with stop 285. ,On'one arm of bell crank lever 288 are furcations 288 in which is slidably mounted a shaft 289 on which is fixed a roller 2I8. Roller 2I8 is adapted to stand in the path of movement of any one of 75 three arms 2! l, H2 and 2H3, adjustably mounted on shaft H. The detail structure of the mounting is shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Referring particularly to Fig. 9, there is fixed on shaft M a hub 2M having a squared portion on which the arms 2H, 2i2 and 2M are mounted in spaced relation between a disk 295 and spacing washers MB. The arms are held in frictional engagement with the spacing washers by means of a spring Zll housed in a recess in a knurled nut 2E8 threaded on the end of hub 2M. By loosening nut m the arms 2M, M2 and 2l3 may be moved readily to any desired positions relatively to each other and then fastened in such positions by tightening the nut. On onev face of disk 2B5 are indicia (Fig. 10) for indicating the adjustment of arms 2H, 2H2 and M3.

Connected to one end of shaft'mw (Figs-ll and 11) is an armature 2W carried by a leaf spring 22c which serves normally to hold the armature centrally between two electromagnets 22l and 222. When armature 2W is located centrally between the electromagnets 226 and 222, roller 2m stands in line with the path of movement of arm 2H. When electromagnet 22B is energized, armature are is moved to bring roller 22m in line with the path of movement of arm M2, and when electromagnet 222 is energized armature 2l9 is moved to bring roller 2MB in line with the path of movement of arm 2 it. Electromagnets 22i and. 222 are connected in circuit with a reset or progressive selector switch 223 which may be located at a central station. When switch 223 is moved into engagement with its contact 224 a circuit is closed through electromagnet 22B, and when the switch is moved into engagement'with its contact 225 a circuit is closed through electromagnet 222. These circuits are described. more fully hereinafter.

Brake magnet 2% is normally energized, and when energized holds bell crank lever 2&2 away from stop 205. If, while brake magnet 21W is energized one of the arms, such as the arm 20 l, engages roller 2W, it turns bell crank lever 2% on its pivot to bring the end 20!! of the bell crank brake lever into engagement with disk 4! to stop the driving motor. If, however, at the time arm 2M engages roller 2W, brake magnet am is deenergized so that bell crank lever 202 is in en-- gagement with stop 205, then, due to the movement of the fulcrum point of hell crank brake lever 2M toward the right, (Fig. 11), the turning movement of bell crank brake lever 200 eifected by arm Zli is not sufiicient to bring the end 209 of brake lever 20% into locking engagement with disk 4. Therefore, when one of the arms 2i i 2112 or 2 l3 engages roller 290 to move bell crank lever 200, whether the driving motor 3 is stopped depends upon whether brake magnet 20? is energized or deenergized. Brake magnet 207i is connected in circuit with the source of electrical energy represented at 1188, M39 as follows: Line I89, conductor 230, cable conductor D, winding of brake magnet 2M, conductor 229, conductor I and cable conductor 0, to line I88. In conductor 230 is a circuit closer 238 which is controlled by a master timer or controller 232. Circuit closer 23!! comprises a fixed contact 233 and a. movable contact 23 3 carried by a leaf spring 235. The master timer or controller comprises a synchronous induction disk motor 236 which may be similar to the motor 3. On the shaft of the motor is a worm 23'! which drives the worm wheel 238. On the worm wheel is a pin 239 adapted to engage leaf spring 235 to move contact aoeopse 234 away from contact 283, thereby opening the circuit on brake magnet 2671. The master timer or controller may be located at a central station and is used to control the timing of all the signals connected in the progressive system. If 0 at the time arm 2M engages roller 2m to turn brake lever rec toward locking position, pin 239 simultaneously engages leaf spring 235 to open the circuit on brake magnet 2M, then for the reasons already explained the driving disk 4 10 of motor 3 is not stopped, since the simultaneous movement of brake lever 20c and the opening of circuit closer 2% indicates that the circuit controller is in synchronism with the master timer or controller. If, however. at the time arm 2H engages l5 roller 2w, pin 239 is not in the position to open circuit closer 23E, then brake lever 20c will be turned to bring end 20!! into engagement with disk 5, thereby stopping motor 3. The motor will be held stopped until pin 239 engages spring 235 and opens circuit closer 23B, whereupon brake magnet 2637] will be deenergized and, due to the turning of hell crank lever 202, the end Ziii of brake lever 2110 will be moved away from disk d, thereby releasing it and permitting motor 3 to again start in proper synchronism.

A number of circuit controllers as shown in Fig. 1 may be connected in parallel with each other and with a common master controller. The arms 2i i, M2 and are of each of the circuit controllers may be set for the desired phase or time relation among the circuit controllers. The arms 2M of all the circuit controllers may be set relatively to each other for one phase relation, the

arms 2H2 of all the circuit controllers may be set for a second phase relation, and the arms 2&3 of all the circuit controllers may be set for a third phase relation. The electromagnets 22d and 222 of all the circuit controllers will be connected in parallel with the reset or progressive selector switch 223.

Assume that all the circuit controllers of an interconnected system are operating with a certain phase or time relation set by the arms 2i I, the selector switch 223 being in the neutral position, and that it is desired to change them to the phase relation set by the arms 252. To effect this result, reset or progressive selector switch 223 is moved into engagement with contact 2243. This closes a circuit from line 889 through conductor 2%, contact 22d, cable conductor E, conductor 2 32, electromagnet 22L conductor I85 and cable conductor C, to line I88, similar circuits being closed through all the circuit controllers connected in parallel in the system. Electromagnets 22l of all the circuit controllers then will be energized, each armature 2 I 9 being moved toward its electromagnet 22l to bring roller 210 into line with arm ZIZ. Now as the arms 2| 2 are brought successively into engagement with the rollers 2W, the motors 3 of the respective circuit controllers will be stopped, and finally when pin 239 of the master controller reaches leaf spring 235 and opens circuit closer 23! all the circuit controllers in the system will (1., bestarted simultaneously in the new phase or time relation.

Similarly, by moving circuit closer 223 into engagement with contact 225 the electromagnets 222 may be energized over cable conductor F to "0 bring rollers 2") of all the circuit controllers into line with arms 2l3, whereby the phase relation for which the arms 2l3 are set may be obtained.

It will be seen that with the arrangement shown, three settings or selector positions of the 75 signals of the system may be obtained. It will be understood, however, that a greater or fewer number of settings may be provided it found desirable.

. In Fig. 11, 244 indicates the extensions of the cable conductors leading from the central station where master timer or controller 232 is located to the several circuit controllers connected in the system with the circuit controller shown. 19 If the master timer or controller should stop with its re-synchron zing contacts 233 and 234 closed, all the circuit controllers connected in the system would be stopped. This would be unde sirable and to avoid its occurrence there is provided what may be termed a protective relay which operates in case the master timer stops with its re-synchronizing contacts closed to open the master control circuit whereby .the brake magnets 201 of all the circuit controllers will be so deenergized. thus rendering inoperative the brake levers for each of the motors 3. This permits each circuit controller to continue to operate independently of the master timer and of the other circuit controllers.

Referring particularly to Fig. 11, the protective relay comprises a synchronous disk motor 245 connected in parallel with the master timer 232. The shaft of motor 245 is connected through a friction clutch 246 of any suitable type to a worm 241 which meshes with a worm wheel 248 journaled on one arm of a bell crank lever 249. suitably pivoted at its elbow. The other arm of bell crank lever 249 forms an armature for an electromagnet 250 which is connected to power lines I89 and I88 by conductor 25I and a. part of conductor 239, the circuit including the master timer contacts 233 and 234. With this arrangement, electromagnet 250 is normally energized and is deenergized each'time contact 234 is moved away from contact 233. Connected to 40 bell crank lever 249 is a spring 252 which tends normally to move the bell crank lever against a stop pin 253. When bell crank lever 249 is in the position shown in Fig. 11, electromagnet 250 being energized, worm wheel 248 is held in mesh with a gear 254 mounted on a shaft255. When electromagnet 25B is deenergized, spring 252 pulls bell crank lever 249 into engagement with stop pin 253. This lifts worm wheel 248 out of mesh with gear 254. Electromagnet 250 thus functions as a means for connecting and disconnecting synchronous disk motor 245 to and from gear 254. Fixed on shaft 255 and to gear 254 so as to turn therewith is an arm 256 which is nor- 55 mally pulled toward a stop pin 251 by a spring 258. Arm 256 is adapted to open a circuit closer 259 located in conductor 236 in series with circuit closer 23I of the master timer. The movable contact of circuit closer 259 is carried by a spring finger 260 which is adapted to be moved by arm 256 into engagement with a fixed stop 26I. The gear ratio between motor 245 and gear 254 is such that during one complete revolution of worm wheel 238 of the master timer, gear 254 moves a m 256 from stop pin 251 to a point just short of spring finger 260. Each time pin 239 of the master timer opens circuit closer 23L electromagnet 250 is deenergized. permitting worm wheel 248'to move from mesh with gear 70 254. When this occurs, spring 258 moves arm 256 back into engagement with stop pin 251. When circuit closer 23I closes again, electromagnet 250 is energized to bring worm wheel 248 back into mesh with gear 254, whereupon 75 arm 256 again starts to move in a direction'to fled to provide the circuit closer 23I open circuit closer 259. As long as the master timer,continues' to function properly, opening circuit closer 23I each revolution, arm 256 is continuously moved toward circuit closer 259 and released just before it starts to open circuit 5 closer 259m In case the master timer stops with circuit closer 23I closed, then motor 245 will continue to drive gear 254, bringing arm 256 into ate, the friction clutch 246 slipping.

In some instances it may be desirable, in case the main or master. timer fails, to substitute an auxiliary orspare timer in' its place until the main timer is repaired. To accomplish this, a change-over switch for disconnecting the main timer from the system and substituting a spare timer may be placed under the control of the protective relay so that when it operates due to the failure of the main timer, the auxiliary timer is substituted for the main timer. This is illustrated in Fig. 11 wherein V indicates an auxiliary timer which may be similar to the main 30 timer and which may be substituted for it by the operation of switch W. Switch W is actuated by a solenoid X the winding of which is connected to lines I88 and, I89 by conductors Y and Zwhich include the stop 26I whichundcr these conditions functions also asa contact. With this arrangement, when spring strip 260 engages stop contact 26I, solenoid X is energized and switch W is moved to disconnect the main timer and connect into circuit the auxiliary timer V. The arrangement is such that, having been moved by solenoid'X to connect auxiliary timer V in circuit, switch W remains in such position. It may be reset manually aiter the main timer has been repaired. I

The master timer or controller may be similar generally to the circuit controllers, except that it requires no contact drum and is modiand the actuating pin 239 therefor. It is provided with ratchets 262 and 263, and pawls 264 and 265, corresponding to ratchets I45 and I46 and pawls I41 and I48 of the circuit controller, and also with actuating electromagnets 266 and 261 for the pawls. Also, it comprises a disk (not shown) f corresponding to disk I51 and a pointer 268 corresponding to pointer I65, for indicating at the central station the adjustment of the gear ratio and the Fire, Flash and Off positions. An operator at the central station actuating the circuit closers I86 and I81 has before him the adjustment of all the circuit controllers of the system.

In changing the gear ratio of the circuit controllers, or in adjusting the circuit controllers for "Fire, Flash or on position, it is desirable to provide means to hold the master timer behind the circuit controllers, for if it gets ahead of the circuit controllers then it will open the circuit closer 23I and stop all the controllers for practically a complete cycle. To avoid this, there is provided a retarding means for the master timer which functions to delay its operation somewhat. In the present instance this is in the form of a locking means for the motor disk 236 of the master timer. The locking mews comprises a bell crank locking lever 289 having an end adapted to engage the disk of the motor and an end which forms the armature of an electromagnet Zllll. When electromagnet 21s is energized it brings an arm of the locking lever into engagement with the disk to stop the motor. Electromagnet 2th is connected in circuit with a circuit closer Elli adapted to be closed by either of the electromagnets 212 or 273 when either is energized. At 2716 is indicated a dash pot or other similar means which delays slightly the opening movement of circuit closer 2H after it has been closed by either of the electromagnets 2'l'2 or 2713. Electromagnet 272 is connected in parallel with pawl actuating electromagnet Zli'l and electromagnet 2'03 is connected in parallel with pawl actuating electromagnet 26%. With this arrangement, when either electromagnet 26W or electromagnet Zlili is energized to turn ratchet 253 or 262, circuit closer Elli is simultaneously closed and held closed for a predetermined time, depending on the adjustment of dash pot 271d, thereby energizing electromagnet 2778 and stopping motor disk 2% for a predetermined interval of time. This interval of time is suificient to insure the changing of the gear ratio of the several circuit controllers before the master timer is against started. The time delay need not be great, it being sufficient only to prevent the master timer from getting ahead of the several circuit controllers while the gear ratio at the several circuit controllers is changing.

By our invention, we have provided what may be termed a universal circuit controller in that it may be used alone as an individual unit, such a use being met within the case of isolated intersections of streets or roads; it may be used in conjunction with other similar circuit controllers, the several circuit controllers being phased relatively to each other with their synchronous driving motors connected to a common power system,

but not actually interconnected with a master timer, such a use being met with in connection a with a non-interconnected progressive signaling system for controlling traffic on streets or roads; or it may be used in conjunction with other similar circuit controllersthe several circuit controllers being connected with a master timer or controller, such a use being met with in the case of interconnected progressive systems for controlling traific on streets or roads. For each of these uses, the circuit controller need not be changed, it being simply connected up for the use to which it is intended to be 'put. This is of importance from a manufacturing and commercial standpoint. Also, it is of importance from the stand- .point of the user in that it enables the same circuit controller to be readily adapted to take care of any operating conditions met with.

In the case of an isolated intersection, the circuit controller may be located atany suitable point, either directly at the intersection or remote therefrom as found desirable. The push button control for manually operating the signals and the push button control for changing the gear ratio and for Fire, Flash and Off positions likewise may be located at any suitable point, either directly at the intersection or remote therefrom. The automatic resynchronizing mechanism comprising the locking magnet 2M- and the reset mechanism comprising the reset magnets HI and 222 would not be used and connections to them would be omitted.

By adjusting the segments of the cams 52 any desired color sequences and combinations can be QAMQOSQ obtained. By using cam segments of different circumferential length and by adding cams to the circuit controller drum "and corresponding teeth to the ratchet which turns the drum, together with the necessary circuit connections, the controller can be adapted readily for a three street intersection or other street arrangement. Knowing the nature or the intersection, it becomes necessary only to adjust the cam segments for the color sequences and combinations required to control most efificiently the traffic at the intersection. Oams comprising six segments as shown in the drawing are capable oi adjustment to take care of operating conditions met with ordinarily.

By adjusting the keys 2b in the slots 33, the split of the color combinations can be made anything desired. That is, any given total time cycle may be divided as found desirable by adjusting the keys. As shown in Fig. 2, the face of plate Ell may carry suitable indicia for indicating the division of the cycle. For example, indieia showing the percentage of split" may be used. The keys form a quick and convenient adjusting means and one whereby a fine adjustment may be obtained.

By shifting the gears l2, t3 the length of the time cycle can be adjusted quickly at any time. This adjustment is independent of the adjustment for dividing the time cycle, which means that great flexibility is obtained in the adjustment of the length of the time cycle and its division. By being able to adjust the cams it? and ltd which control the Fire", Flash and Oil positions, relatively to the gear ratio, the

advantage is obtained that for any particular installation the cams l6? and tilt may be ad justed to a position wherein the, fewest number of steps will be required to bring the cams to operative position. For most installations only a certain limited number of gear ratios will be required and the cams it? and N58 may be set directly adjacent the one extreme gear ratio.

It will be noted that the Fire, Flash and Ofi cams form a part of the gear shifting mechanism. This has the advantage that additional cable conductors are not required for the Fire, Flash and Off signals since they are controlled from the central station over the cable conductors used for shifting the gears.

The use of synchronous motors for driving the circuit controllers is important since it means that several circuit controllers may be operated in progressive phase relation by being connected to a common power system, and that in the case of interconnected circuit controllers controlled by a master timer, if the master timer fails the circuit controllers continue to operate in phase relation.

When a number of circuit controllers are used in a non-interconnected system, which may be a progressive system, each is independently adjusted and set relatively to the other, to give the desired relative timing of the signals. With such a system, if found desirable, push button controls for the resynchronizing mechanisms comprising the locking magnets 20'! and for the reset mechanisms comprising the reset magnets 2M and 222, may be arranged at a control station so that all the signals may be manually controlled. Also push button control for all the gear ratio changing mechanisms may be ar ranged at the control station. In such a case, all the circuit controllers may be adjusted simultaneously for Fire, Flash and Off positions.

When a number of circuit controllers are used in an interconnected system, which may be a progressive system, all the circuit controllers are connected in parallel to a master timer or controller after the manner disclosed in Fig. 11. This gives complete automatic control as already described.

In accordance with the provision of the patent statute, we have described the principle of operation of our invention, together with the apparatus which we now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof; but we desire to have it understood that the apparatus shown is only illustrative and that the invention may be carried out by other means.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. In a circuit controller, the combination of a rotating circuit closer, means for effecting actuation of the circuit closer, a movable circuit controller member, current responsive means connected to said circuit closer and operated at each actuation thereof for effecting movement of the circuit controller member, lock means for rendering said current responsive means inoperative in case a predetermined timed relation between said circuit closer and said circuit controller member does not obtain, manual control means for said circuit controller member, and means for disconnecting said'current responsive means from said rotating circuit closer and connecting it to said manual control means and for rendering said lock means inoperative.

2. A circuit controller comprising a continuously rotating shaft, circuit closing means, means connecting the said shaft to the circuit closing means for effecting periodic actuation of the said circuit closing means, a rotating circuit controller member, means including an electrically operated device in circuit with the circuit closing means for rotating the circuit controller member, a locking member for the electrically operated device biased toward locking position, means for holding it away from looking position, means carried by the rotating circuit controller member for periodically releasing said holding means, and means carried by the continuously rotating shaft for preventing movement of the locking member when released if the rotating shaft and rotating circuit controller are in a predetermined timed relation relatively to each other.

3. Ina signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signaling devices, a circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuit controller member, means including a rotating circuit closer for effecting movement of the circuit controller member, an electric motor, change speed gearing connecting the electric motor to the rotating circuit closer, means including a shaft for changing said gearing, movable contact means for disconnecting said signaling devices from said circuit control member, and means carried by said shaft for actuating said movable contact means.

4. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signaling devices, a circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuit controller member, means including a rotating circuit closer for effecting movement of the circuit controller member, an electric motor, change speed gearing connecting the electric motor to the rotating circuit closer, means including a shaft for changing said gearing, movable contact means for disconnecting said signaling devices from said circuit control member, means carried by said shaft for actuating said movable contact means, and means for adjusting said last named means on the shaft.

5. In a signaling system, the combination of a. plurality of signaling devices, a circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuit controller member, driving means for the circuit controller member including change speed mechanism for driving said circuit controller at a selected one of a plurality of predetermined speeds, means for operating the change speed mechanism from a distance to, select one of said predetermined speeds including a movable operating mechanism, and means for disconnectingthe circuit controller from the signaling devices operated by the change speed operating mechanism when it is moved to a certain position.

6. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signaling devices, a circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuit controller member, driving means for the circuit controller member including change speed mechanism which may be operated step by step to eifect a predetermined speed of operation of said circuit controller at each step, mechanism for operating said change speed mechanism step by step, means for actuating the step by step operating mechanism from a distance, and means operated by said operating mechanism for disconnecting the signaling devices from the circuit controller member at a certain position of. said step by step mechanism.

7. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signaling devices, a. circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuit controller member, driving means for the circuit controller member, other circuits for the signaling devices, means for disconnecting the circuit controller from the signaling devices, change speed mechanism for said driving means operable step by step to effect a predetermined speed of operation of said circuit controller at each step, step by step actuating mechanism for said change speed mechanism, means for actuating the step by step mechanism from a distance, means operated by said mechanism for disconnecting the signaling devices from the circuit controller member at a certain position of said step by step mechanism, and means for changing the certain position at which such disconnection occurs.

8. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signaling devices, a circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuitv controller member, driving means for the circuit controller member, means for disconnecting the circuit controller from the signaling devices, change speed mechanism for said driving means operable step by step to effect a predetermined speed of operation of said -circuit controller at each step, mechanism for operating said speed change mechanism step by step, means for actuating the step by step mechanism from a distance, other circuits for said signaling devices, means operated by said step by step mechanism for disconnecting the signaling devices from the circuit controller member at one certain position of said step by step mechanism, and means operated by said step by step mechanism for connecting said signaling devices to said other circuits at another certain position of said step by step mechanism.

9. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signaling devices, a circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuit controller member, driving means for the circuit controller member, other circuits for the signaling devices,

change speed mechanism for said driving means, mechanism for operating said change speed mechanism step by step, means for actuating the step by'step mechanism from a distance, means operated by said step by step mechanism for disconnecting the signaling devices from the circuit controller member at one certain position 01' said step by step mechanism, means operated by said step by step mechanism for connecting said signaling devices to said other circuits at another certain position of said stepby step mechanism, and means for adjusting the certain positions relatively to said step by step mechanism.

10. In a'signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signaling devices, a circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuit controller member, means including a rotating circuit closer for eii'ecting movement of the circuit controller member, an electric motor, change speed gearing connecting the electric motor to the rotating circuit closer, a longitudinally movable shaft for changing said gearing, a gear for moving said shaft longitudinally, ratchet and pawl means for imparting step-by-step movement to said gear, other circuits for the signaling devices, movable contact means for disconnecting said circuit controller member from said signaling devices and for connecting said signaling devices to said other circuits, means moved by the ratchet and pawl means for actuating said movable contact means, and means for actuating said ratchet and pawl means from a remote point.

11. In a signaling system, in combination, a plurality of circuit controllers each comprising a driving motor, a circuit controller 'member and change speed gearing connected between the.

driving motor and the circuitcontroller member, a master timer to which said circuit controllers are connected in parallel, means controlled by said master timer for maintaining the circuit controllers in phase relation relatively to each other, means for changing the change speed gearings, and means responsive to operation of the gear changing means for retarding the master timer while the gearings are being changed.

12. In a signaling system, in combination, a plurality of circuit controllers each comprising a driving motor, a circuit controller member and change speed gearing connected between the driving motor and the circuit controller member, a master timer to which said circuit controllers are connected in parallel, means controlled by said master timer for maintaining the circuit controllers in phase relation relatively to each other, and electrically operated means for simultaneously retarding said master controller and changing the change speed gearings.

13. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signalingdevices, a circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuit controller member, driving means for the circuit controller member including change speed mechanism for operating said circuit controller member at any one or a plurality of predetermined speeds, operating mechanism for said change speed mechanism movable to select any one of said predetermined speeds, other circuits for said signaling devices, and means for disconnecting the circuit controller from the signaling devices and connecting the signaling devices to said other circuits, said means being operated by the said operating mechanism when its occupies a certain position.

14. In a signaling system, the combination 01' a plurality of signaling devices, a circuit controller member, electric circuits connecting the signaling devices to the circuit controller member, other circuits for said signaling devices, driving means for the circuit controller member including change speed mechanism for effecting operation of said controller at any one of a plurality oi predetermined speeds, operating means for the change speed mechanism including a movable operating mechanism movable from a distance for .eflecting operation of said circuit controller member at a predetermined one of said speeds, and means for connecting said signaling devices to said controller member operated by the change speed operating mechanism when it occupies a certain position and operated to connect them to said other circuits when the said' operating mechanism occupies a certain other position.

15. In a signal system, the combination ofa master controller, a circuit controller provided with a motor, a circuit closer operated by said motor, means for momentarily closing said circuit closer during its operation at variable intervals in a recurring cycle, a drum controller, means for advancing said drum controller to a difl'erent position at each actuation of said circuit closer, means for maintaining said drum controller in a definite operating relation with said circuit closer, and means for maintaining a predetermined phase relation between said master controller and said circuit closer.

16. In a trafiic-signal system, the combination of a master controller, a circuit controller provided with a motor, a circuit closer operated by said motor over a predetermined path, means for momentarily closing said circuit closer at irregular intervals during its operation comprising a series of adjustable keys arranged in said path, a drum controller, means for advancing said drum controller to a different position at each-actuation of said circuit closer, means for maintaining said drum controller in a definite operating relation with said circuit closer, and means for maintaining a predetermined phase relation between said master controller and said circuit closer.

17., In a trailic signal controller the combination of a base, a panel, said panel being provided with a circularly arranged series of spaced openings at substantially right angles to the plane oi. the panel face, circuit closing means including a circuit closer member, means for eifecting relative rotation between said circuit closer member and said openings on an axis concentric with the center of the spaced openings and in a plane substantially parallel to said panel whereby keys inserted in selected ones of said openings will be engaged by said circuit closer member to closea circuit a number of times in accordance with the number of keys employed.

18. In a traflic signal controller the combination or a base, a panel, said panel being provided with a circularly arranged series of spaced opencenter of the spaced openings and in a plane substantially parallel to said panel whereby keys inserted in selected ones of said openings will be engaged by said circuit closer member to close a circuit a number of times corresponding to the number of keys employed. v

19. In a traffic signal controller the combination of a base, a panel, said panel being provided with a circularly arranged series of spaced openings, circuit closing means including a circuit closer member, means for efiecting relative rotation between said circuit closer member and said openings on an axis concentric with the center of the spaced openings and in planes substantially parallel to said panel, and keys in said openings projecting toward said circuit closer member for engaging the latter to close a circuit in accordance with the spacing of said keys and the rate of movement between said keys and said circuit closer member.

20. In a traific signal controller the combination of a base, a panel, said panel being provided with a circularly arranged series of spaced radial slots at substantially right angles to the panel face, circuit closing means including a circuit closer member, means for effecting relative rotation between said circuit closer member and said slots on an axis concentric with the center of said slots and in substantially parallel planes whereby keys inserted in selected ones of said slots will be engaged by said circuit closer member to close a circuit a number of times in accordance with the number of keys employed.

21. In a trafiic signal controller the combination of a base, a panel, said panel being provided with a circularly arranged series of spaced openings at substantially right angles to the panel face, a circuit closer member, a circuit controller member mounted on said base, means for operating said circuit controller member step by step to change the signaling circuits at each movement thereof responsive to actuations of said circuit closer member and means for eifecting relative rotation between said circuit closer member and said openings on an axis concentric with the center of said openings and in substantially parallel planes whereby keys inserted in selected ones of said openings will actuate said circuit closer member to efiect a step by step movement of said circuit controller member in accordance with the number of keys employed.

22. In a traffic signal controller the combination of a base, a panel, said panel being provided with a circularly arranged series of spaced open"- ings, circuit closing means including a circuit closer member, meansior rotating said circuit closer member on an axis concentric with the center of said spaced openings and in a plane parallel to said panel, a circuit controller member mounted on said base, means for moving said circuit controller member step by step responsive to actuations of said circuit closer member, keys in certain of said openings projecting toward said circuit closer member for engaging said circuit closer member and effecting actuation thereof 7 during the rotation of said circuit closer member and means for maintaining the circuit closer in a definite operating relation relative to the circuit controller member.

23. In a trafiic signal controller the combination of a base, a panel, said panel being provided with a circularly arranged series of spaced openings, a circuit closing means including a circuit closer member, means for rotating said circuit closer member on an axis concentric with the center of said spaced openings, and in a plane substantially parallel to said-panel, a circuit controller member mounted on said base, means for rotating said circuit controller member step by 15 step responsive to actuations of said circuit closer member, keys in certain of said openings projecting toward said circuit closer member for engaging said circuit closer member and thereby effecting actuation thereof during rotation of said circuit closer member and means responsive to a variation from a predetermined operating relationship between said circuit closer member and said circuit controller members for rendering said circuit controller rotating means temporarily inefiective.

24. In a traffic signal controller the combination of a base, a panel, said panel being provided with a circularly arranged series of spaced openings substantially normal to said panel, circuit closing means including a circuit closer member, means for rotating said circuit closer member on an axis concentric with the center of said spaced openings and in a plane substantially parallel to said panel, a circuit controller member, mounted on said base, means for rotating said circuit controller member step by step responsive to actuations of said circuit closer member, keys in certain of said openings ior engaging said circuit closer member and thereby efiectingactuations' 40 thereof during rotation of said circuit closer member, lock means controlled by the circuit controller member which periodically tends to render last said rotating means inoperative, and means controlled by the circuit closer member for periodically rendering said lock means inoperative.

25. In a traffic signal controller the combination of a base, a panel, said panel being provided with a circularly arranged series of spaced openings at substantially right angles to the panel face, a circuit closer member, a circuit controller member mounted on said base, means for operating said circuit controller member step by step to change the signaling circuits at each movement thereof responsive to actuations of said circuit closer member and means for effecting relative rotation between said circuit closer memberand said openings on an axis concentric with the center of said openings and in substantially parallel planes whereby keys inserted in selected ones of said openings will actuate said circuit closer member to effect a step by step movement of said circuit controller member in accordance with the positioning of said keys in said openings and the rate of said relative rotation between said circuit closer and said openings.

ARTHUR B. CAMPBELL. CLAUDE F. BEYER. 

